Legally speaking - Divorce/Dissolution

[Balldog]

A buddy of mine just got married about a year ago. We were with a group of friends and he was telling us that both him and his wife wanted out but neither do anything about it. She has basically spent every dime they make on clothes, jewelry, etc.

Anyways, he doesn't know what to do because he is afraid he is going to lose a good amount of money. They built a house which he paid the down payment and all other expenses while she didn't pay a dime. He's worried if they get a divorce he'll lose half of what they paid down on the house to her. ($15,000) Most of this money was given to him as a gift, the check was to him, not to him and her. We were thinking if he could prove she didn't pay a dime that she couldn't touch the money. Is this correct? He was thinking it was not correct.

Confusing? Yes. How does this work? He wants to go to a lawyer but can't really afford it. Looking to give him some more advice.

[Mustang]

Originally posted by Balldog
Confusing? Yes. How does this work? He wants to go to a lawyer but can't really afford it. Looking to give him some more advice.

Depends on the state. Wisconsin is a community property 50/50 which, I believe, means that everything is split down the middle 50/50 if you can't come to some agreement.

Then again, my divorce is in Florida and I just gave her everything just to get the hell away and get on with my life. (We didn't have a house or kids). So, I took my stuff, she took her stuff and the furniture.

[Franklinnoble]

Originally posted by Mustang

Then again, my divorce is in Florida and I just gave her everything just to get the hell away and get on with my life. (We didn't have a house or kids). So, I took my stuff, she took her stuff and the furniture.

This is probably the best way to handle it.

Unfortunately, divorce = expensive mistake, but it's best to take your losses right away and move on rather than run up obnoxious legal bills and spend years of your life squabbling over a few thousand dollars.

[Hyde]

What he might be able to pull off is offering her everything that is in the house (electronics, furniture, ect...) while he will get to keep the house. If that dont work, then I agree with the idea of giving it all up just to get away.

[Ksyrup]

I know squat about Ohio law (and divorce law for that matter), but here's a site that should provide you with some general but useful info on what to expect under Ohio law:

Divorce Source - Ohio (http://www.divorcesource.com/info/divorcelaws/ohio.shtml)

[Fritz]

http://www.countryhomeproducts.com/assets/product_images/CPR0058-250.jpg*

[albionmoonlight]

People with legal problems often can't afford NOT to go to a lawyer.

It sounds like he thinks that $15,000 may be at stake. He can get a lawyer for a lot less than that.

It is like any other service business--he should ask around and get some names. Then he should talk to several lawyers. Find out what they charge. Do they seem competent? What about their demeanor? Does he want someone to destroy his soon to be ex and sap her will to live, or does he want someone who will keep his interests primary while also trying to do what is right for everyone involved? Try to avoid the yellow pages.

[sabotai]

Like my dad always says, "It's cheaper to keep her."

(He's joking, of course.)

But seriously, I don't mean to sound like an ass, but if he's trying to divorse her after only a year a marraige, he deserves to have half of it taken from him. No, not because he's break some moral or religious doctrine, but because he's a freakin' retard for marrying her. Only a year? And it's alreayd fallen apart.

What ever happened to actually knowing the person you are going to marry?

Ok, end of mini-rant. Your question.

If they both work and she didn't pay for anything, he MIGHT have a chance at getting it back, depending on what state they live in and what the laws are. If she doesn't work, tough shit. She gets half and probably will get alimony too.

Why guys get married nowadays is beyond me. :)

[mckerney]

So I guess there are advantages to being poor and not being able to get women. Go figure.

[oykib]

Originally posted by mckerney
So I guess there are advantages to being poor and not being able to get women. Go figure.

Actually, you're much better off being rich. Rich guys wind up losing much less of their fortunes, even without pre-nups.

I guess that makes sense, as rich guys write the laws.

[Balldog]

They dated for 7 years. Neither has dated anyone else, they starting dating his senior year in HS. She don't realize they have bills to pay, she actually said she don't like the fact that she is 22 and has to make a house payment. (Rather spend the money shopping)

[WussGawd]

Originally posted by Balldog
They dated for 7 years. Neither has dated anyone else, they starting dating his senior year in HS. She don't realize they have bills to pay, she actually said she don't like the fact that she is 22 and has to make a house payment. (Rather spend the money shopping)


Yeah, heaven forbid the bi-atch might actually have to act like the adult she is and take on some responsibility.

[ISiddiqui]

Ah, the problems with marrying the high school sweetheart. She hasn't realized that she may actually have to chip in and help out with the relationship. Another man would treat you better, right hon? :rolleyes:

Sucks for the friend man, really does.

[sabotai]

"They dated for 7 years. Neither has dated anyone else"

Here we have problem #1...

"they starting dating his senior year in HS"

Problem #2...

"she actually said she don't like the fact that she is 22 and has to make a house payment. (Rather spend the money shopping)"

Problem #3...

Ok Balldog, time to be honest with us. You knew this whole thing was gonna fail from the beginning, but your friend wouldn't listen, right? :)

Seriously, you're friend is probably hardcore screwed. And not in that good.

[Swaggs]

Perhaps these are things they should have thought of and (gasp!) discussed before getting married.

My church made us go through a counseling program before agreeing to marry my wife and I. We were both 25 and independent (lived on our own, had jobs, etc.) and thought the counseling was pretty much common sense. Discussing things like who pays bills, how much should you spend w/o first notifying your spouse, etc.

I guess couples like this prove that it was worthwhile for some.

[cuervo72]

My friend's got a girlfriend
Man he hates that bitch
He tells me every day
He says "man I really gotta lose my chick
In the worst kind of way"

She sits on her ass
He works his hands to the bone
To give her money every payday
But she wants more dinero just to stay at home
Well my friend
You gotta say

I won't pay, I won't pay ya, no way
Why don't you get a job
Say no way, say no way, no way
Why don't you get a job

I guess all his money, well it isn't enough
To keep her bill collectors at bay
I guess all his money, well it isn't enough
Cause that girl's got expensive taste

I won't pay, I won't pay ya, no way
Why don't you get a job
Say no way, say no way, no way
Why don't you get a job

Well I guess it ain't easy doing nothing at all
But hey man free rides just don't come along
every day

[Hyde]

For less than $15,000 he could just hire a hit man. (joke.....ok really a joke)

I hope your buddy breaks his foot kicking her ass to the curb. It is much better to go through your youth with opportunity at landing more snapper then the bass master hall of fame rather than have to deal with the same womans crap forever.

Just take my approach for example: "Brittany Spears should just accept the fact that she wants me and we both will be happy"